Tactical Combat Casualty Care Training, Knowledge, and Utilization in the US Army

Jennifer M Gurney, Caryn A Stern, Russ S Kotwal, Cord W Cunningham, Dallas R Burelison, Kirby R Gross, Harold R Montgomery, Edward H Whitt, Clinton K Murray, Zsolt T Stockinger, Frank K Butler, Stacy A Shackelford

Mil Med 2020 Jan 7;185(Suppl 1):500-507

Abstract

Introduction: Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) is the execution of prehospital trauma skills in the combat environment. TCCC was recognized by the 2018 Department of Defense Instruction on Medical Readiness Training as a critical wartime task. This study examines the training, understanding, and utilization of TCCC principles and guidelines among US Army medical providers and examines provider confidence of medics in performing TCCC skills.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey, developed by members of the Committee on TCCC, was distributed to all US Army Physicians and Physician Assistants via anonymous electronic communication.

Results: A total of 613 completed surveys were included in the analyses. Logistic regression analyses were conducted on: TCCC test score of 80% or higher, confidence with medic utilization of TCCC, and medic utilization of ketamine in accordance with TCCC.

Conclusions: <60% of respondents expressed confidence in the ability of the medics to perform all TCCC skills. Supervising providers who that believed 80 to 100% of their medics had completed TCCC training had more confidence in their medic's TCCC abilities. With TCCC, a recognized lifesaver on the battlefield, continued training and utilization of TCCC concepts are paramount for deploying personnel.